Ramen Stand Girls

While I like Udon, Yakiniku, Yakitori, Yakisoba, Yaki-anything that isn't too disgusting, I absolutely love Ramen. The way it is always served hot but not enough to burn, with just a bit of meat, vegetables, possibly a slice of egg, and of course, noodles. The way that Ramen is eaten with chopsticks, but comes with a spoon too. The way you can slurp your noodles and even lift the bowl to your face and drink, without it being impolite. The way it is served with a steaming bowl of rice and, if so desired, a six-pack of meaty gyoza. The way it is made quickly, and the large number of ramen stands that are open late hours and located everywhere, even in rural Japan. But one thing I really like are the Ramen Stand Girls.

I should probably clarify one thing first though. While they do exist, none of these places I visit are actually stands. They are resturants...in a way. More like a diner, actually. I just like the way that "Ramen Stand" rolls off the tongue, especially when you pronounce the "Stand" as though it were "Stond". Ramen Stands are often featured in anime, but in rural areas, you mostly see real buildings. They are normally family owned and family run, perhaps with some hired hands if needed. This leads me to my original topic, Ramen Stand Girls. At most Ramen Stands, or at least the ones I go to often, there is a Mom and Pop running the show. Helping them out is always their cute daughter who is my age. They are never beautiful in a model way, but more the "wearing a stained apron and bandana with many hairs lose and a polite smile on their face, girl next door that you want to marry" kind of look. Being younger, they also tend to know more English then the parents, so they are often the ones you interact with the most.

Of course, I find the Ramen Stands to be one of the best places to socialize, so talk a lot with these girls and their parents. Since I am a foriegner, I am automatically a memoriable customer after one visit and they are eager to talk to me. Now, this isn't a Ramen Stand thing exclusively; many places like Udon Stands and Hardware Shops also have the same cute daughter setup. However as I said, I love Ramen and I find Ramen Stands to be one of the best places to socialize around town. Something about all the different types of people that come and go, and the fact that Ramen makes everyone happy. Well, except for stiffly stiffersons.

PS: I will try to post some pictures of my favorite Ramen stands later when I get internet back.